tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56294523420326686772024-03-14T00:44:51.320-07:00Aircon GuruBlog on aircon installation/maintenance issues in Singapore.Aircon Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12962322429983415286noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629452342032668677.post-53630674090184798422014-10-20T07:48:00.001-07:002014-10-20T07:48:31.633-07:00FAQ for Aircon (Servicing & Maintainence)<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have decided to do up a FAQ for issues that aircon units commonly face.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These are for units that are in operation for a period of time, not for newly installed units. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. Why my indoor unit aka blower/fancoil leaking water?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A1. Can be caused by a blocked drainage pipe by jelly or dirt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The fancoil internal drain pan is dirty causing water not to discharge properly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the drainage pipe or internal dirty, a normal servicing will be sufficient to solve the issue.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They will use a vacuum cleaner to clear the clogged drainage pipe.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A2. The fancoil coil is choked causing condensation or icing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the internal coil is choked, u have to do a chemical cleaning to solve the issue.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For
chemical cleaning, the technician has to go to the outdoor unit aka
compressor to some people to recover the gas in the system 1st, followed
by dismantling the whole blower unit down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They will then dismantle the fancoil apart and wash the parts with water & chemical.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After washing, they will fix back everything & do a air purge/vacuum & test run the system again.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A3. The system have gas shortage issue causing icing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need to check the gas level & top up to required pressure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Topping up of gas is not normal & will be explained further later. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. Why my unit is not cooling the room down?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A1. The unit is dirty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need to service it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A2. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The system have gas shortage issue causing insufficient cooling. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need to check the gas level & top up to required pressure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Topping up of gas is not normal & will be explained further later. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A3. Outdoor unit might have a faulty part.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The outdoor unit have a few parts which plays an important part in supplying gas to the room.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Expansion valve : controls the amount of gas to each individual fancoil unit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PCB: Controls the valve & other parts by sending signal to them via feedback from the indoor fancoil pcb.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fan motor : Blows out the hot air generated by the compressor & coil.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A4. Indoor unit might have a faulty part.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Air sensor : senses the room temperature & sends signals to the outdoor pcb to tell the compressor to cut off/stop working when room temp set on yr remote is achieved.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thermistor : Senses the gas temp in the copper coil & feedback to the pcb, similar to the sensor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">PCB : Brain/control unit of the indoor unit & communicate with the outdoor unit.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. The indoor unit is noisy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A1. Can be caused by a noisy fan motor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The fan motor spins the rotor to churn out the cool air. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the noise level decrease if u set the fan speed to lower, most likely its the fan motor causing the noise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need to replace the fan motor. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A2. Can be caused by a choked cooling coil/choked rotor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">U will hear some uneven airflow sound after u on the aircon for 10-15 mins.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the coil/rotor is choked, air will not pass through smoothly which explains the uneven airflow sound. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need to do normal/chemical cleaning.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. The outdoor unit aka compressor is noisy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A1. Can be caused by a noisy fan motor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need to replace the fan motor. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A2. Can be cause by loose parts due to them rusting/corroding over time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Certain metal parts holding the outdoor unit together might have corroded, causing noise during operation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can replace the parts or consider replacing the outdoor unit/whole system is system is deem unserviceable due to old age.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A3. Can be caused by a noisy compressor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All compressors are covered by a 5 years warranty. However this warranty usually cover parts only & not the labour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">U need to engage the agent to come & replace for a fee.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Price ranges from $350-$500 to replace the compressor. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Q. Operation light flashing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A1. Different brands of aircon, when experiencing malfunction will have a blinking operation or timer light.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Need to get a technician to diagnose & narrow down the possible faults.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my opinion, an aircon system when used daily > 6 hrs will have an average lifespan of 5-8 years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anything major repair that needs to be done after 8 years, do consider to have the whole system replaced to avoid further repairs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When replacing the system, best to replace the piping together if possible to avoid any complications with the new system. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Aircon Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12962322429983415286noreply@blogger.com59tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629452342032668677.post-5130971466012814692013-11-06T07:02:00.002-08:002013-11-06T07:02:36.140-08:00Control Wiring<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Recently there are many cases of aircon wiring broken or faulty after a few years of installation.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This will lead to aircon not being able to function and owners have to replace their wiring from the blower to the compressor.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In some cases, the wiring is already hidden inside false ceiling or built in cabinets.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine the trouble you need to go through just to replace the faulty wiring.</span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is mostly caused by poor quality materials used during the initial installation.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wiring is as important as the grade of copper piping used.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the indoor units (Fancoil) to the outdoor unit (Compressor)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Min should be 3c40.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This means there are 3 cord of rubber enclosed wire, each with min 40 strands of copper wire inside.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If they use 4c40, means there is an extra cord for next time backup, in case one cord is faulty in future.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If they use 3c70, which means there are 70 strand of wire inside, this is even better but usually you have to top up a bit of $ for this upgrade as the material cost is higher.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The brand of the wire matters a lot.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do try to avoid brands made in erm.... u all know. PR*.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Local brands like Keystone & Tai Sin are known to be reliable.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will advise all owners to confirm the brand of the wiring used by your aircon installer before committing to the purchase.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If budget permits, do consider an upgrade to the 4 cord or 70 for long term usage.</span></div>
Aircon Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12962322429983415286noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629452342032668677.post-41543843380664988452013-09-24T11:28:00.002-07:002013-09-24T11:28:26.701-07:00NEA Energy Efficency Rating Scheme<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">As on 1st Sep 2013, some models of air-conditioners are being phased out as they fail to meet the min requirements set by NEA.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">They are mostly non inverter single & multi split aircon equipment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For non inverter, only Daikin multi model Ma56 (connectable up to 4 units) are allowed to be on sale.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some inverter models failed to meet the min requirement too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">More details @ <a href="http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/category_sub.asp?cid=258" target="_blank">NEA Website</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />Do note on this when considering your aircon purchase.</span>Aircon Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12962322429983415286noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629452342032668677.post-47510408991428579372013-05-26T10:02:00.002-07:002013-05-26T10:02:21.999-07:00R22 gas phase out.<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Many users are concerned about the availability of R22 gas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">R22 gas will be phased out in stages, by 2020, it will be reduced by 99.5%.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By 2030, there will be no more production of R22 gas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Info taken from (http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/hcfc.html) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is still safe to purchase R22 gas equipment now assuming average lifespan of aircon units are between 5-7 years depending on usage.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">However, many brands are no longer producing equipment using R22.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Only inverter multi system that uses R22 is Daikin.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Rest are using R410a. (To my knowledge) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So do not worry for now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Aircon Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12962322429983415286noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629452342032668677.post-90253904397902153362012-10-12T10:09:00.002-07:002012-10-12T10:09:33.929-07:00Btu Calculation<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For most new HDB flats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4 rooms.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Estimated btu for the bedrooms are 9k btu each.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living will be 18k btu.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 rooms</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Estimated btu for the bedrooms are 9k btu each.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Living will be 12k/18k.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you hack the master room and bedroom 2 into one room, i will suggest at least a 12k btu. but 18k will be more comfortable in terms of cooling. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rough guide for calculation of btu.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take your square area of the room multiply by a factor of 400-500.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">400 for lower requirements/number of people in the area.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">500 for higher requirements/number of people in the area.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Say a bedroom square area is 18 square metre.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">18 x 450 (middle range) = 8100.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">8100 nearest btu is 9k btu.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />This formula is taking into account of a ceiling height of 2.5-3 metres.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The same formula can be used for pte apartments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But for calculation of the living/dining area if the ceiling is of a higher height.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Maybe u can multiply by 600 instead of 500 to factor in the higher ceiling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A ceiling fan may be useful too for faster distribution of the cold air.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Aircon Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12962322429983415286noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629452342032668677.post-56347816717083840132012-08-20T10:53:00.001-07:002012-08-20T10:53:42.852-07:002 trips installation<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have noticed many people asking abt 2 trips installation, especially for home owners whose house are undergoing renovations.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For aircon installation, we can break them up into 2 parts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Running of piping, trunking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Installation of equipment.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For 1 trip installation,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. It will applies to those who are currently staying in the house </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Those who are replacing their current aircon unit.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If your house is undergoing renovation and u install your aircon in one trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The aircon installer will usually cover up the fancoil with a plastic sheet first.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are some issues which i realised.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the installation is done BEFORE the painting, then the wall behind the fancoil unit will not be painted and 5-7 years down the road , when you need to replace a new system, the wall will be of a different colour and you might need to touch up on the painting.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the installation is done AFTER the painting, your trunking will not be painted. Trunking is usually glossy white in colour.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unless your painter is willing to make 2 trips to touch up or you pay extra $ to the painter.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For 2 trips installation,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is good as after the trunking is run, the painter will paint the trunking and the wall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the house renovations is almost done up, the installer will make a 2nd trip to install the equipment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This requires coordination between the installer and your interior designer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So sometimes house owner uses the aircon installer which the interior designer recommends as coordination works is easier.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finding an aircon installer direct may be cheaper, however you may need to coordinate and spend some time going on site to discuss with the installer on the pipe routing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If dealing through the designer, you can discuss the routing along with your other services, like electrical power point, ceiling etc.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some companies provide 2 trips installation free, some will charge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Market price will range from $50 - $150 for 2 trips installation. </span>Aircon Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12962322429983415286noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629452342032668677.post-43827217076772964032012-08-17T11:23:00.003-07:002012-08-17T11:23:30.150-07:00Comparison between brands<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confused between what brand to choose during your aircon purchase?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will do some comparison between different brands for inverter outdoor units.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I suggest getting an inverter unit if you use the aircon units daily for > 6-8 hrs.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will compare the 3 brands outdoor units which i usually will recommend to my friends for aircon purchase.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daikin inverter sys 3 R22 gas model :: 3MKD75DVM</span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cooling Capacity</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This unit has around 27k btu.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Noise Level </span></u><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Noise level for all inverter models, i feel that its quiet so no issues if the unit is working normally.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rated db is 46.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Energy Consumption</u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max rated amp is 13.4 amp.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If unit is running @ part load, amp is around 6.5 amp.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Based on $0.2878 per kwh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will cost $0.43 per hr to run the outdoor unit @ part load. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mitsubishi Electric inverter sys 3 R410a gas model ::MXY-3A28VA</span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cooling Capacity</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This unit has around 27k btu.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Noise Level </span></u><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></u><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rated db is 48.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Energy Consumption</u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amp stated is 8.5.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If unit is running @ part load, amp is around 6 amp. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Based on $0.2878 per kwh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will cost $0.39 per hr to run the outdoor unit @ part load. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Panasonic inverter sys 3 R410a gas model ::CU-3S27MKZ</span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cooling Capacity</span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This unit has around 27k btu.</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Noise Level </span></u><u><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></u><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unknown.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Energy Consumption</u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amp stated is 9.4amp.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If unit is running @ part load, amp is around 6 amp.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Based on $0.2878 per kwh.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It will cost $0.43 per hr to run the outdoor unit @ part load. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All information are taken from catalogue/information given by airconditioning technicians. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Energy consumption is a rough estimate.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>Aircon Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12962322429983415286noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629452342032668677.post-9178040461758205872012-03-16T23:56:00.000-07:002012-03-16T23:56:12.555-07:00Copper piping<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For copper piping, the process of bending it is important.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Improper bending of pipe will increase chances of condensation or poor gas flow (not cold)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GS1h1H-n_h4/T2Q0ktZ60MI/AAAAAAAAABY/CNvhgGLFkr4/s1600/Bendpiping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GS1h1H-n_h4/T2Q0ktZ60MI/AAAAAAAAABY/CNvhgGLFkr4/s320/Bendpiping.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Improper bent piping</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Piping should not be bend with bare hands. It should be done using a pipe bender.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EWCEyBJ9LY/T2Q0_fAuNEI/AAAAAAAAABg/O03nc9ELcbg/s1600/bender.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3EWCEyBJ9LY/T2Q0_fAuNEI/AAAAAAAAABg/O03nc9ELcbg/s320/bender.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pipe Bender</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfH_F6rZH28/T2Q1Psu1X0I/AAAAAAAAABo/u2VDmNUPD_s/s1600/properpiping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yfH_F6rZH28/T2Q1Psu1X0I/AAAAAAAAABo/u2VDmNUPD_s/s320/properpiping.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pipe bend with proper tools</span>, <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">nice 90 degrees bend.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Aircon Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12962322429983415286noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629452342032668677.post-21144345227604029662012-02-14T08:56:00.000-08:002012-02-14T08:56:06.212-08:00Materials for installation<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This post will touch on materials used for aircon installation.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Copper Pipes</span></b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZnvkkn2iQc/TznK4tF6WRI/AAAAAAAAABI/vfQ4AGu2ndQ/s1600/piping" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZnvkkn2iQc/TznK4tF6WRI/AAAAAAAAABI/vfQ4AGu2ndQ/s200/piping" width="149" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">1/4 refer to pipe size, 22 SWG refer to the gauge, 15m is the length of the pipe</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is used to transfer the gas (Liquid form) from the outdoor to the indoor unit (blower units)</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">and gas (Gas form) from the indoor to the outdoor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is the most important material for the installation as gas travels in it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Copper pipe comes in different grades.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Lowest is SWG (Standard working guage) 24 or G (guage)24.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G24 refers to the thickness of the copper pipes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">G23 is thicker then G24, G21 is the thickest among all.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Improper installation/handling of copper pipes may cause the following.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Condensation of pipes at certain area. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This will usually happen around the bend part. If the installer uses a proper tool known as the pipe bender to bend, the result will be a nicely bent pipe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gas flow will be smooth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If they use their hand, it may have some acute angle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gas might not flow smoothly and icing might occur, which will lead to condensation. Even with how thick a insulation, it will not stop the condensation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will suggest HDB flat owners to use min G23.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For concealed pipings in condo/pte hse, you may want to upgrade to G22.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Insulation</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is the black rubber foam thing which is used to encase the copper piping.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">During operation, the copper pipes are cold and some water droplets will form due to condensation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The insulation will serve to absorb water droplets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are 2 classes of insulation. Class 0 and class 1.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The class refers to the fire rated properties of the insulation. In aircon, we are talking about absorbing water, so do you think its worth to pay for a upgrade from Class 1 to Class 0?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will suggest to use 3/8 thickness insulation for piping in trunking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For piping above false ceiling or concealed in wall, you may consider to upgrade to 1/2 thickness insulation.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wire</span></b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZYGEV4EdFA/TznKbU90RmI/AAAAAAAAABA/4Ruudue5feI/s1600/wire" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" sda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EZYGEV4EdFA/TznKbU90RmI/AAAAAAAAABA/4Ruudue5feI/s200/wire" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">3 Cord Wire</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Wiring is used as a form of power supply for the aircon system and a form of communication between the indoor and the outdoor units.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For the wiring between the outdoor unit to the power point, usually 3C70 is used. For aircon system up to 36k btu capacity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">3C70 refers to 3 cord, (3 pieces of wire), one for live (brown), one for netural (blue), one for earth (green).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">70 refers to the number of copper strand inside a single cord.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Between the indoor to the outdoor units, 3C40 is used.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Reason for a lower grade is because, the indoor unit does not consume a lot of amphere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1 is for live power supply, another is netural power return. The 3rd is for communication purposes between the indoor and outdoor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">PVC pipe also known as drainage pipe</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">There are 2 sizes used in the market, 13mm and 16mm. It refers to the internal diameter of the pipe. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">16mm has a bigger diameter and might allow for better flow of drain water and prolong the time taken for the build up of jelly and cause the aircon to leak water.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some companies also have the good practice of applying insulation 3/8 thickness to the horizontal Pvc pipes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Vertical pipes do not need insulation as water will fall fast due to gravity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Trunking</span></b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gheOXFnyL5w/TzqSAiEHj2I/AAAAAAAAABQ/s25ygM6BYws/s1600/trunking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gheOXFnyL5w/TzqSAiEHj2I/AAAAAAAAABQ/s25ygM6BYws/s200/trunking.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Trunking</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is the plastic casing that encase the copper, pvc pipes and wiring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is important that there are of the correct size as getting a size smaller will lead to the copper pipes insulation pressing against one another and increase the chances of condensation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">All information above are my own views. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Feel free to contact me if you feel there are any wrong/misleading info posted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thanks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></span>Aircon Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12962322429983415286noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5629452342032668677.post-14546416623240291482012-02-12T07:28:00.000-08:002012-02-12T07:28:49.145-08:00Things to note during purchase of airconditioning system<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Hi to all,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">These are some of the things which u may have to note before paying for your deposit or signing the quotation for your airconditioning system purchase.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">-<b> Brand</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pls ensure brand quoted is as per your request. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some end users are confused between Mit Electric and Mit Hvy Ind, which are 2 different brands with different models.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- <b>System Specs</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Check the outdoor unit btu specs. System 3 capacity usually comes in a few btu sizes, 21k, 27k, 36k.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Example :</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> Mit Electric 3A28 - 3a refers to system 3, 28 is around 28k btu.<br />
Mit Electric 4A38 - 4a refers to system 4, 38 is around 38k btu.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Daikin 3mkd75dvm - 3mkd refers to system 3, 75 refers to 7.5kw ~ 27k btu. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is based on my understanding of "decoding" the model number for different brands.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- <b>Materials used </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Check the materials used list, is it as what the company or sales person promised?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This is important if you are paying for upgraded materials.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- <b>Single or 2 trips installation</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are staying in your current house and replacing the aircon, it is usually a whole day job (10am-5pm) for the installation of aircon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If you are a new flat/resale flat undergoing renovations, you may require a 2 trip installation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">1st trip to install the piping, 2nd trip to install the equipment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Pls check whether the company do offer 2 trips installation. Some companies may charge extra for 2 trips installation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- <b>Extended warrtany</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Standard warrtany usually is 1 year for the airconditioning equipment, 5 years for the compressor motor (exclude labour charges to replace the motor).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Installation worksmanship warrtany is usually 1 year too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some companies may offer extended 5 years warrt for an additional sum of $.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do note the fine print/terms & conditions for the extended warrt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some terms are </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- You have to engage the installing company for quarterly service contract.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- No other company to service/repair the aircon during the extended warrt period.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- Does not cover wear & tear on piping insulation or condensation issues.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- <b>Price</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do make sure the price covers all items. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some commonly left out items are stainless steel bracket and power point.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Is it nett (including GST)?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">- <b>Site Survey</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">If your flat is going to be renovated along with the installation of aircon, i suggest that you request for a site survey before installation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The surveyor or supervisor will discuss the pipe routing and aircon blower units location with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You may want your Interior Designer to be present too in case some of the aircon piping may pass through built-in fixtures or false ceiling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Thats all for the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I will share with you all some other info next time... (",)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do contact mi via email : airconguru@gmail.com or PM me @ FB (Aircon guru) if you have anything to add on.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span>Aircon Guruhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12962322429983415286noreply@blogger.com14Singapore1.352083 103.819836000000011.2153815 103.58282600000001 1.4887845 104.05684600000001